Falling tree causes minor damage to Seabright homes

Seabright >> A 40-foot tall cedar tree fell across the 500 block of Dolores Street on Wednesday night, causing minor damage to two homes, knocking out power and blocking the street overnight, Central Fire officials said.

About 9 p.m., there was a report of downed wires in the area, Battalion Chief Dave Weybright said. Firefighters arrived on scene to find the tree blocking Dolores Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

In its descent, the tree, which was 4 feet in diameter, knocked down wires, fencing, gutters and window trimming, Weybright said. While both homes were occupied, there were no reported injuries.

The owner of the home where the tree stood had the tree topped — cut at the top — a couple months ago, Weybright said.

"If they didn't do that, it would've went into a house for sure," he said.

Weybright said the tree might have fallen because of Wednesday's strong winds.

By 11 a.m. Thursday, Santa Cruz County Public Work crews removed the tree from the street, Weybright said.